1934 Cadillac Model 370-D Twelve

Cadillac produced the Series 370 V-12 from 1931 through 1937 with a total of 10,903 examples built. Dealerships began receiving the V-12s in October 1930, a month later than the V-8s for the 1931 model year. Although overshadowed by its V-16 sibling, the V-12 delivered impressive performance at a fairly reasonable cost, selling for $800 more than comparable V-8 models. The 368 cubic-inch engine offered 135 horsepower and 285 foot-pounds of torque offering a top speed of over 80 mph. A V-12 roadster was selected to pace the Indianapolis 500.

For 1934, all Cadillacs were redesigned with sharp and clean styling. They had wide pontoon fenders, a V-style grille, large bullet-style headlamps and Art Deco bi-plane bumpers. Cadillac was the first manufacturer to hide the spare tire in the rear trunk, yet allowed buyers to optionally order side-mounted spares. A vast selection of 52 Fisher and Fleetwood body styles was available.

A total of 683 Series 370D V-12s were built in 1934, all resting on a 146-inch wheelbase.

by Dan Vaughan

Town Sedan (Flat Windshield) by Fleetwood
Engine number: 4100102

The early 1930s were a difficult time as the country struggled with the ongoing Great Depression. While many companies were fostering a more austere and Spartan vehicle, Cadillac offered a plethora of models, powered by V8, V12, and V16 engines. Their vehicles offered style, class, and elegance. Over the decade, Cadillac built over 15,000 examples of their 12 and 16-cylinder cars. All models were offered with streamlined styling courtesy of Fisher and Fleetwood, in many different configurations. Cadillac was the first company to hide the spare tire in the rear trunk, although they still offered side-mounted spares as an option. The vehicles had nice rounded lines with wide pontoon fenders and a sharp V-style grille that had a steep angle. In the front were large bullet-style headlamps and Art Deco bi-plane bumpers.

The Twelve cylinder models rested on a wheelbase that measured 146 inches and offered in over 50 body styles. Owen Nacker engineered the 12-cylinder, overhead-valve engine which offered 133 horsepower.

This particular example is a Fleetwood Town Sedan with a formal 'two-window' roofline. It was delivered new to A.W. Golden Inc., the Cadillac dealer in Reading, Pennsylvania, and tagged for sale to Mr. L.J. Clarke. The car still wears its original bodywork with its flat windshield and the original V-12 engine. It was originally specified with painted wire wheels, a Master radio, a hot water heater, a flexible steering wheel, and a trunk rack. In the rear compartment are dual footrests and an umbrella cabinet.

This Town Sedan was given a restoration several years ago in the factory-correct color of Richmond Maroon with a tan broadcloth interior.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood
Engine number: 4100303

This Cadillac V-12 Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood is one of fewer than five examples built that year. It was built by General Motors of Canada Limited at its Oshawa Walkerville Regina, Ontario, facility with Body Job No. 6185LX30. It is a former AACA First Junior winner in 1994, Senior Award winner in 1995, and it received its First Preservation Award in 1996. It wears an older restoration that has been recently cosmetically restored and driven less than 300 miles since. It is finished in grey with black fenders and a red leather interior and has been given a new black convertible top with matching boot. It has a roll-up rear division window, dual side-mounted spare tires with metal covers, whitewall tires, and a factory trunk rack with a Cadillac metal accessory trunk.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan (Flat Windshield) by Fleetwood
Engine number: 4100028

This Cadillac 370-D V-12 is bodied in Fleetwood style no. 6030S, a five-passenger sedan with a modern one-piece flat windshield. It was the seventh example produced in 1934 in this body style. It was finished in black with Wiese broadcloth upholstery, a 'Goddess' radiator mascot, and dual side-mounted spares with metal covers. There are subtle woodgrain and nickel accents, dual side-mounted spares with full covers and mirrors, and rear vent windows which offer flow-through ventilation.

The 368 cubic-inch overhead valve V-12 engine has Twin Updraft Stromberg carburetors and 135 horsepower. There is a three-speed synchronized manual transmission and four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical drum brakes.

by Dan Vaughan